Block Island to Cold Spring: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The journey from Block Island, RI to Cold Spring, NY is a classic New England-to-Hudson Valley adventure. The route begins with a mandatory ferry from Block Island to Point Judith (Rhode Island mainland), then winds through coastal Connecticut and up the eastern shore of the Hudson River. A little-known fact: Block Island's Old Harbor was once a bustling whaling port, and the ferry crossing passes the site of the 1898 steamship Larchmont wreck, one of the worst maritime disasters in New England history.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, driving times, and family-friendly detours. Below is a quick reference table for the route.

The main road corridor from Point Judith to Cold Spring follows I-95 South to New Haven, CT, then CT-9 North to I-84 West, finally US-9 North along the Hudson River. Key exits: Exit 17 on I-95 for Mystic, CT; Exit 1 on CT-9 for Old Saybrook; Exit 7 on US-9 for Cold Spring. The route is well-paved but experiences congestion near New Haven and Hartford during rush hours. Avoid Friday afternoon traffic if possible.

• Ferry costs: Block Island Ferry from New Harbor (seasonal) or Old Harbor (year-round) – vehicle reservations required. Round trip for car + driver ~$50–$70.
• Tolls: No tolls on I-95 in Rhode Island; Connecticut has a toll-free highway; New York's US-9 is toll-free. However, the Tappan Zee Bridge (Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) is not on this route.
• Fuel stops: Gas stations are plentiful along I-95. Recommended stops: Exxon in Mystic, CT (Exit 89) and Sunoco in Danbury, CT (Exit 4 on I-84). Prices are moderate, averaging $3.50/gallon.

Climate and route aesthetics: The drive is most scenic in autumn (October) when the Hudson Highlands display brilliant foliage. Summer brings humid conditions; winter can be icy on the ferry and in the hills. No UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie directly on this route, but the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area offers cultural significance.

From Block Island's dramatic clay bluffs and Mohegan Bluffs to the rolling hills of Litchfield County, the route offers diverse scenery. In Connecticut, don't miss the tidal marshes of the Connecticut River at Old Lyme. The final stretch along US-9 reveals the iconic Storm King Mountain and Breakneck Ridge, with the Hudson River glistening below. For the best view, take a short detour to the Cold Spring overlook at the end of Main Street.

• Natural attraction: Mystic Seaport – a living history museum with ships and marine life. Entry $26/adult.
• Hidden gem: Devil's Hopyard State Park (near East Haddam, CT) – a 860-acre park with Chapman Falls and a natural pothole formation. Free entry.
• Local commerce: Cold Spring's Main Street is lined with antique shops, galleries, and the Hudson Valley Brewery. Try the pumpkin ale in autumn.

Culinary infrastructure: Block Island's Rebecca's Seafood serves fresh lobster rolls. In Mystic, Mystic Pizza (of movie fame) offers classic slices. For a farm-to-table experience, stop at the Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, CT – just off I-84. In Cold Spring, the Hudson House River Inn provides fine dining with river views.

Road quality is excellent on major highways, but secondary roads near Block Island (Route 1A) can be narrow. The ferry crossing is safe but subject to weather cancellations; check conditions at the Block Island Ferry website. For fatigue management, schedule breaks every 2 hours. Rest areas are located at I-95 Northbound Rest Area in Madison, CT (mile 59) and at the I-84 Eastbound Rest Area in Southington, CT.

• Family suitability: The ferry ride is fun for kids (bring motion sickness pills). Mystic Aquarium and the Submarine Force Museum in Groton are educational stops. Cold Spring's Little Stony Point offers easy hiking for children.
• Pet-friendly framework: Block Island's beaches allow dogs on leashes (except during summer). Most ferries accept pets. Many state parks along the route permit leashed dogs. In Cold Spring, the Hudson Highlands State Park allows dogs on trails.
• Safety: Avoid parking on the shoulder of US-9 near Cold Spring – use designated lots. Cell reception is intermittent in the Hudson Highlands.

Hidden off-route spots: For a unique detour, take CT-148 to the Hadlyme Ferry – one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in the US (since 1769). It crosses the Connecticut River between Lyme and Hadlyme, saving time and offering a historic experience. Also, the Croton Gorge Park in NY (exit 10 on US-9) features a stunning 97-foot waterfall and picnic areas.